MTN, Lumous target one million Nigerians with electricity solution

The mobile electricity solution is a unique innovation that combines the efficiency of the mobile revolution with reliable solar energy to provide modern electricity to Nigerians through an affordable pay-per-use functionality and simple installation.

Information and Communications Technology firm, MTN and Lumous Mobile Electricity Services have developed an innovation targeted at solving the electricity challenge of about one million residents of Nigeria this year.

The mobile electricity solution is a unique innovation that combines the efficiency of the mobile revolution with reliable solar energy to provide modern electricity to Nigerians through an affordable pay-per-use functionality and simple installation.

Speaking on the rationale behind the partnership, MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, said the MTN and Lumos partnership was poised to scale clean and affordable, off-grid power across Nigeria.

“With the backing of OPIC and Power Africa, MTN and Lumous plan to bring electricity to over one million Nigerians this year. The solar technology of Lumous and the easy payment process with MTN airtime provides a seamless customer experience for Nigerians looking for modern clean electricity.

“We have always ensured that our subscribers constantly enjoy our innovative products and services, as we continue to engage them at their passion points with life-enriching experiences. Now everyone can enjoy 24/7 access to noise-free, fume-free reliable electricity, every day for as low as NGN150 per day”. We believe that this solution will help to improve the lives of our subscribers especially because it empowers them to do more for less with electricity at their convenience and pace”

To the CEO and Co-Founder, Lumous Global, Davidi Vortman, the firm is excited about this major milestone, which will accelerate growth in Nigeria and improve the lives of millions.

Vortman said: “Having the backing of institutions such as OPIC and Power Africa provides a vote of confidence in our plans and helps spread our service across Nigeria”

Explaining how the Lumous Mobile Electricity Service powered by MTN works, CEO at Lumous Nigeria, Yuri Tsitrinbaum said, “This electricity is generated by home-size solar power systems installed in our customers’ homes and\or businesses. It comes in a new type of solar panel and indoor unit that allows customers to purchase electricity as a service on demand using their MTN mobile phone. Upon deployment, the subscriber loads airtime onto the SIM (embedded on the system) to activate the platform and enjoys uninterrupted power supply”.

The MTN-Lumous solar solution uses a large solar panel linked to an indoor storage unit that allows customers to access significant amounts of power on demand day or night. The service is provided on a lease to own basis and the cost is spread over a five year term, payable in affordable instalments via mobile phone from an MTN account. Customers receive a full product repair service during the lease period providing peace of mind and quality assurance.

Existing users include small businesses, residential users, small businesses schools, healthcare facilities, community buildings among others.